Chinese Copper Temple Bell

A bowl-shaped bell that was meant to ring, once, with feeling.

Craftsmen in China made this temple bell in copper in the 19th century. Bells of this kind are commonly associated with temple use, struck to mark time and ritual. The wide, rounded body has a plain, slightly flared mouth. A band of tiny hammered, scale-like marks covers the lower half, and the upper half is smooth. The copper has aged to a deep brown, almost black, with golden flecks showing through.

About 8 inches high and 10 inches across. A quiet counterweight on a bookshelf.